Guidance: Emergency Telehealth Rule Changes

As of March 9, Ohio Medicaid health care providers can use telemedicine in place of in-person visits. These rules will relax regulations so that more people can be served safely in their homes.

This is a regulatory change being offered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid to help reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) for patients, their families, and the health care workforce. In addition to increasing access to care, these rules also seek to reduce pressure on Ohio hospitals.

Providers must document their use of telemedicine and meet minimum standards of care.

Ohio Department of Medicaid Guidance

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is working to make access to care easier and more flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency, in partnership with the governor’s office, sister agencies as well as managed care plans, providers and consumers, has:

expanded telehealth services to include a wide array of medical, clinical, and behavioral health providers and counselors,

DODD has set up a dedicated web page for department communications and links to helpful resources that will advise people with disabilities, their families, service providers, direct support professionals, county boards of developmental disabilities, and the community at large.

For specific questions about COVID-19 and additional information and resources, DODD urges you to use the Ohio Department of Health’s call center. Call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634), or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.